ALONE v. LONELINESS

I recently grabbed food with some non-comedian friends after a Chicago show and as we were sitting there, they looked over and saw a man eating by himself.  One friend said “Oh no, he is alone! Should we invite the lonely man to eat with us” I told my friend that I eat 90% of my meals alone and she looked at me with shock and sadness. I am not lonely and actually enjoy the solitude, especially after or before a show.
I can’t speak for other comedians but I am quite certain we often do eat alone, especially on the road. Sometimes I will bring my computer or listen to a podcast but often times I am just there enjoying a meal and checking my phone or watching the tv (if they have one).  I would be lying if I said I was not eavesdropping on those around me too, creating back stories for those around me.

I never thought of it as being lonely. Its actually pretty nice sometimes to eat alone, especially on the road where I can try places I want to eat and, more importantly, at the times I want to eat. As I have said before here and on my podcast, comedians often eat at weird times. 4-5pm and after 10pm. I know all the late night places that serve food (far less now then before the pandemic).

 I guess I never noticed other people noticing me eating alone in late night diners, bars and fast food joints until that moment. Incidentally, the man at the diner had a Chicago Med tv show sweater on, which I assume means he works production for the show. #careerchange #standup #formerlawyer #comedian